location, location, vacation

The brand new Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort is located at a private cove of peaceful Nakalay beach on the Western coast of Phuket Island.

The resort offers beach front luxury apartments with stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and jungle-clad mountains.

This ultra modern resort in Phuket is the perfect place to relax with beautiful natural surroundings, simply breathtaking land and seascapes, and dramatic sunsets!

The resort features an exciting blend of studios, 1 & 2-bedroom apartments as well as spectacular penthouses in Phuket. Each apartment is spacious with a private terrace.

The apartments and suites have been designed to integrate the outdoors with the spacious indoor living areas, and are ideal for couples or families. All apartment types contain a kitchen or pantry as well as a full size refrigerator. LCD TVs are in each apartment along with DVD player and a magnificent array of TV channels with programs bound to please all.

Absolute Twin Sands Beach Resort and Spa

Proving that there is still life in the Phuket property market,  Absolute, have launched their latest branded resort – Twin Sands Resort and Spa, overlooking Tri Trang Beach, Patong.

Investing over 750m Baht into the project, Twin Sands Managing Director, Darren Judges, feels they’ve hit the market at exactly the right time despite the political situation in Thailand and the global economic problems.

“Stock of prime units in Phuket is running out, we’ve seen nothing new launched in the last twelve months which has a good ocean view and is within a minutes’ walk to the beach. Those people who are in a position to buy are struggling to find a product which fits their lifestyle and their pocket.” says Darren.

It’s fair to say that ocean view apartments are in very short supply and with the new environmental restrictions coming into place during the latter half of this year, these type of developments are likely to become even harder to find.

Darren went on to say, “‘A key market for us is Hong Kong and with the stock market flattening, bank interest rates at a low level, many Hong Kongers and expatriates are looking to overseas property to boost their investment portfolios.”

The development, located on seven Rai, (11,200m2) of prime ocean view land, in the Tri Trang area of Patong, is aimed at the mid to low end of the Phuket property market with prices ranging from 4.7m Baht to 15.2m Baht.

The location is certainly appealing, just a few kilometres from the bustling nightlife and entertainment centre of Patong, but yet far enough away to be peaceful. It’s ideal for those who want to party all night and come back to a place where they can relax and unwind.

Positioned between two idyllic beaches, Merlin and Tri Trang, Twin Sands owners can deliberate over which beach they visit, whether to spend the day lounging beside the communal pool or to take the resort shuttle bus into the centre of Patong.

Twin Sands will be built to the same exacting standards as Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort, the developers primary resort located on Nakalay beach on the outskirts of Kamala. Designs at Absolute are distinctively modern and maximise natural light with large scale windows and good use of outdoor terracing. Twin Sands Resort and Spa will comprise 46 units in the first phase, with a range of studio (50m2), one bedroom (80m2) and two bedroom apartments (120m2).

Purchasers at Absolute Resorts, buy not only due to the exceptional quality of design, breathtaking ocean views and convenient location but also because of the superb rental programme which is fully managed by the resort and guarantees owners an excellent return on investment.

Owners will also benefit from a good range of facilities which include, a restaurant and bar, pool lounge bar, fitness centre and spa as well as an infinity edged swimming pool and plenty of terraces for sun-bathing.

The newly launched Absolute Twin Sands Resort and Spa in Patong,  Phuket, has sold over 60% of their inventory in record time.

Ocean Villas Group officially launched the development less than three weeks ago at the SMART International Investment and Property Expo, Hong Kong and sales have been incredibly strong.  The mix of studio and one bedroom units, priced from 4,800,000 Baht, have been snapped up by eager investors who are banking on the development as a sound investment for the future, with strong rental returns and high capital appreciation.

I asked the developer why he thought sales had been so good, “I think we’ve got the mix right, we offer value for money, ocean views and are within walking distance of four beautiful beaches, yet we’re just minutes from Patong….the location couldn’t be better.”

“Our investors can be assured of high quality accommodation, sound rental returns and high capital appreciation,” he continued.

Located on Tri Trang beach, a picturesque and relatively unknown spot just south of Phuket’s entertainment and nightlife centre in Patong, Absolute Twin Sands Resort and Spa has all the advantages of being close to the centre of the action but none of the disadvantages. Owners and residents can take a shuttle bus or taxi into town or opt to spend the day relaxing at Tri Trang or one of the other four beaches within walking distance of the resort.

On completion Absolute Twin Sands will be managed by Absolute Resorts, who already have several top performing hotels and resorts in Phuket, including Bangla Suites in Patong and Absolute Nakalay in Kalim Bay.  The resort will have full hotel facilities including a restaurant and pool bar, infinity-edged swimming pool, gymnasium and spa…..and the benefit of being within walking distance of several other top hotels and resorts in the area.

Investor, Brian Southall, explained why he’d bought into the project. “I’ve been looking around for a good investment close to Patong for some time but I’d not been able to find anything suitable.  When I heard about Twin Sands I was impressed by the location but also by the fact that it’s managed by a well respected hotel operator, rental income is very important to me.  Also, as I bought in off the plan I got a good price and I’m likely to make a good return if I come to sell in a couple of years…but I think I’m likely to keep it.”

If you’re looking for a well priced ocean view apartment within a superb resort development……with high rental yields and good capital apreciation then Absolute Twin Sands is the development you’ve been looking for.

Red Mountain Golf Course

Winding its way through a truly dramatic 1400 rai former tin mine site in the heart of Phuket, Red Mountain is surely one of Asia’s most exciting new courses.



The course has been cleverly routed to take advantage of a huge variety of landforms and dizzying elevation changes. Scars left from the tin mine era have been imaginatively incorporated into the overall scheme, creating a unique character at the same time as establishing an indelible link with an important era in the Island’s past.

Designer Jon Morrow and co-designer Al Tikkanen, have created a highly strategic and challenging 6,900 yard lay out to complement the shorter and gentler old Loch Palm Course. While the course is undoubtedly challenging, numerous risk and reward options create a fun playing environment, an exhilarating test of golf and a breathtaking scenic tour around a course destined to become a golfing landmark in the region.

• As you walk in to Red Mountain's clubhouse you will be welcomed by responsive staff and will find a modern yet stylish Pro Shop on the left hand side where you may register your tee-time and purchase your green fee or make a future reservation. You'll also find that our friendly Pro Shop staff caters to all golfers needs whether it is a piece of memorabilia, a new glove to rental clubs or shoes.
• Once you've checked-in you may make your way to the locker rooms located just around the right hand corner at the end of the clubhouse lobby where we allow guests to freshen up after their round. As you enter the locker rooms sign yourself in and a locker key will be handed to you, then put away your fresh set of clothes and any other possessions you won't need on the course.
• For golfers looking for a sensational meal before or after hitting the course head to Red Mountain's Restaurant where we serve first-class breakfasts and a variety of western and Thai fine cuisines.
• If you're not feeling like a full meal then head down to our Staging Area just past the locker rooms and down the stairs. Here you can order a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a snack from our restaurant while overseeing golfers tee-off on the first hole. Your clubs will be close by on you golf cart with your assigned caddie ready to assist you around the mountains and if you would prefer to get a feel for the greens prior to your round you may head down to the putting green adjacent to the first tee. Once it's time for you to tee-off you will be approached by a Starter who will direct you to your allocated tee-box.
• Red Mountain golf club has kiosks spread out along the course every 3 holes filled with refreshing beverages and snacks keeping golfers energy levels high throughout the round. We also provide marshals on the front and back nine to maintain the pace of play at all times.
• Searching for the golfing experience second to none? We cater specifically to your requests to make your day at Red Mountain GC unforgettable to your business partners and colleagues. Organizing your day, from scoring to 'closest-to-the-pin' challenges you'll find our operation is highly service minded. So lay back, relax and allow us to prepare an array of dishes and keep the drinks flowing.
• Make your next family celebration or special event even better by enjoying our selection of western and Thai dishes accompanied by a bottle of great wine and if you like, we'll even arrange the cake!
• Furthermore, Red Mountain golf club provides golf club storage, scoring teams and a taxi pick-up service.

Red Mountain Golf Course is the second course at Loch Palm Golf Club and the newest golf course on Phuket Island. The course was designed to take advantage of a huge variety of landforms and dramatic elevation changes, making it Phuket's hilliest course.

The entire Loch Palm site, like Blue Canyon, Phuket's other famous golf course, is an abandoned tin mine. The hole routing explores the four corners of the former tin mine property representing a memorable tour of Phuket’s historical landscapes. Cliffs and gullies etched in sandy tailings over the years by storm waters feature on several holes. Towering cliffs cut out of the hills and flooded canyons frame several other holes. Golfers face the full range of natures hazards; wind, water, slopes and elevation changes. This is the highest golf course on Phuket Island and dramatic views are realized from many of the points on the golf course.



The concept of variety has been carried into all areas of Red Mountain. There are large and small greens; some with subtle breaks, some with wilder contours. Bermuda grass is used on the greens which make for fast but smooth putting surfaces. Fairways and tees are grassed with Seashore Paspalum; a popular turf being used at other Thailand championship courses like Amata Springs and Best Ocean, both in Bangkok. Wild, local grasses have been preserved in some rough areas to complete the natural look.

The course has a few shorter par 4's to give some good birdie chances, but also for the longer hitters there is the 12th, a 481 yard par 4. The par 3’s all require accurate shot placement and they are as beautiful to look at as they are challenging to play. For example, the signature ninth hole has a vertical drop of 50 meters from tee to green and the shot must be carefully threaded through large pine trees lining both sides of the hole. The four par 5's are also all unique. The 6th and 10th holes play downhill and are both over 500 yards. The 8th and 18th are uphill and shorter. Each of the four holes presents golfers with different challenges that require a variety of shots.



The Loch Palm site, being located almost in the exact center of Phuket Island makes this course one of most accessible to those staying on the poplar Patong and Karon beaches. Only 15 minutes is needed to get to/from the course which makes it a real possibility for those with non-golfing families to spend the better part of the day with their family after a quick early morning round.

For golfers wanting to spend more time at the course, there are excellent shared practice facilities, a grass driving range, as well as a fully stocked club house for 19th hole formalities. While Loch Palm is an optional walk or ride course, golf carts are compulsory at Red Mountain. This is usually a negative, but in the case of the hilly Red Mountain course, it is unlikely that anyone on a golf vacation would opt to walk this layout anyway. Loch Palm's new Red Mountain course is one of the top three Phuket courses and should be part of any golf package to the area.

Guide to Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is an unspoilt paradise located between Phuket and the west-side of the Malay peninsula, where 67 virtually deserted islands sit in 400km² of spectacular natural beauty. The bay forms part of Phang Nga province, which is bordered by Phuket and Krabi provinces.

Phang Nga’s unspoilt beauty takes visitors back to a time when all of southern Thailand was uninhabited thanks to its protected status as the Ao Phang Nga National Park, which is has enjoyed since 1981. While neighbouring Phuket has suffered the ravages of rampant commercial development, eco-travellers can rest easy in the knowledge that Phang Nga is not about to suffer the same fate.

The bay’s beauty is typified by vibrant, turquoise sea waters in which sit stunningly unusual karst islands formed by thousands of years of fault movements. Some of these peaks stand at lofty heights of up to 300 metres and the majority is enhanced by a thick covering of lush green vegetation. More than 40 of these structures, which are essentially comprised of limestone, are dotted across the bay, creating unique and genuinely awe-inspiring views.

The smaller structures can only be admired from afar, while the larger ones are big enough to allow for exploration. Networks of caves located at the bases are significant features of the geological evolution of these islands, with many able to be entered by kayak. Inside, unusual rock formations can be seen, while a flashlight might help you to catch sight of the birds and bats which call the caves home.

Inhabitants are few and far between in Phang Nga Bay. The small island of Koh Phan Yee has settlements that are over 200 years old, with residents who are simple people, fishing for a living and dwelling in bamboo houses which sit on stilts in the waters immediately offshore from the island’s beach. These primitive sea gypsies who are known locally as Chao Leh, are devout Muslims, and their community is believed to have descended from two families who first migrated here.

While natural beauty should be Phang Nga’s greatest claim, the islands here are perhaps best known for their tenuous Hollywood connections. The 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun included a number of scenes featuring the island hideout of Scaramanga, which were filmed on Khao Phing Kan, one of the bay’s larger islands. This island is now referred to as ‘James Bond Island’ and forms the focal point of many boat tours of the bay.

Khao Phing Kan offers zero in the way of tangible evidence of its once famous encounter, although the distinctive karst structure sitting in the bay off of the island’s beach serves as a good photograph backdrop for the hoards of tourists wanting a souvenir of their trip there. Additionally, there’s a wooden sign in English and Thai saying ‘James Bond Island’. Scaramanga’s hideout is nowhere to be seen however.

Boat trips from Phuket and Krabi offer tourists the best opportunity to see Phang Nga’s most notable sights, with typical itineraries including stops to check out Tham Lawt (caves) and James Bond Island. The sea gypsy village at Koh Phan Yee is also included on most trips and is generally the stopping point for a lunch break, with the locals providing the food and dining facilities.

A trip to the unspoilt wilderness of Phang Nga Bay with its breathtakingly spectacular views will reassure you that many of Thailand’s finest natural sights continue to remain unaffected by the tourist dollar.